Insulated multifunctional portable beverage brewing device and method for making the same

ABSTRACT

One embodiment: A portable insulated beverage brewing device  10  for liquids and gravity fed method for brewing. A device  10,  with lid  14  and vessel  12,  may house insulation  52 A and  52 B, liner reservoir  50 A and  50 B, and filter  28  to brew hot or cold liquids and contain hot or cold liquids for controlled dispensing  26.  A large capacity filter  28  secures inside the vessel  12  accepting brew mixtures for gravity fed brewing method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/874,906 Confirmation Number: 9574, filed on Sep. 6, 2013 by thepresent inventor, Joshua Fors Johnson.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

There are limited options utilizing a gravity fed, pour over coffeemaking method to efficiently brew multiple servings of coffee whilecamping or recreating outdoors. Commonly, outdoor coffee makers can onlymake a limited number of servings in one brew cycle or are designed toserve just one individual. These devices are inefficient for brewingcoffee for both larger and smaller groups or for individuals desiringmore than a few cups of coffee without having to repeat multiple stepsand brew cycles. Other devices like percolators and press pot coffeemakers can produce an undesirable astringent cup of coffee because theirbrew techniques can be prone to either under or over-extracting thecoffee. Moreover, these devices either require a heat source to keep thebrewed coffee hot or lack the insulation necessary for ensuringbeverages stay hot or cold for extended periods.

Camping coffee pots, percolators, and press pot style coffee makers areoften comprised of mechanical parts that are susceptible to bending orbraking, making them insufficiently durable for extended use outdoors.Moreover, thoroughly cleaning these coffee makers requires cumbersomeremoval of parts and then reassembly that provide additionalopportunities for damaging their parts. Several types of outdoor coffeesystems require bulky propane cylinders, heavy stovetops, or electricalcomponents in order to heat the coffee or boil the water that aredifficult to transport, prone to failing, and inapt for backcountrytravel. Although some beverage dispensers or water coolers provide meansfor insulating cold beverages, they are limited to just insulating coldliquids and do not provide a means to keep beverages like coffee or teahot or offer brewing capabilities.

Therefore, there is a need for a durable outdoor portable brewing devicethat efficiently makes large quantities of great tasting coffeeutilizing a pour over brewing method, while advantageously holding andinsulating both hot and cold beverages for consuming immediately orlater, thus reducing or eliminating some of the problems discussedabove. Disclosed herein are different embodiments of such device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiment in general terms concerns a portable device formaking coffee or tea and insulating any hot or cold beverage. The deviceutilizes a gravity fed brewing method for making pour over style coffeeor tea in quantities to serve large and small groups while in thebackcountry or at home. In accordance with one embodiment, an insulatedmultifunctional portable beverage brewing device and method for makingthe same comprising, a vessel that houses an insulation chamber and aninterior liner wherein a removable filter apparatus rests. Theinsulation chamber surrounds the interior liner for keeping beverageseither hot or cold. A detachable lid covers the vessel opening andprovides access to the interior vessel when removed. A removable filterapparatus capable of holding and brewing large quantities of brewmixtures within one brew cycle. The gravity fed pour over brewing methodnaturally filters and fully extracts the ground coffee or tea, withoutunder or over extracting the desired brew mixture. A filter sealattaches around the top edge of the filter apparatus to both seal thefilter into place within the interior liner and to shield materials fromescaping over the filter apparatus into the bottom of the interior linerreservoir. A controlled dispensing device attaches towards the bottom ofthe vessel for releasing beverages and a liquid viewing gage connectsfrom the interior liner reservoir to the external vessel and rests abovethe controlled dispensing device to show the amount of liquid inside theinterior reservoir.

The present embodiment of the removable filter apparatus and theinterior liner provide the capacity to brew up to a gallon of tea orcoffee using a gravity fed pour over brewing method for serving bothlarge and small groups. Accordingly, the reader will see that oneadvantage of the device is the versatile brewing capacity makes it adeptfor different groups of people in diverse settings, such as,camping/rafting users, lodges, hotels, restaurants and officebusinesses, construction sites, boats, cafes, bars, and sporting events.The present embodiment of the device can utilize suitable alternativematerials and configurations. In accordance with other embodiment, thedevice is designed to accommodate interior liners with brewing andinsulating chamber capacities to suite the desired quantities of servingwhile in the backcountry, coffee shops, restaurants, or for home use.Advantageously, an alternative embodiment of the exterior vesselcomprises of stainless steel making an attractive gravity fed pour overbrewing device ideally suited for any coffee shop, cafes, restaurants,or other similar establishments.

Other advantages of one or more aspects of the device is that the filterapparatus has the capability to hold substantial amounts of brewmixtures for making larger quantities of brew liquids within one brewcycle than other pour over style coffee makers used for outdoorrecreation. The filter apparatus contemplated in this embodiment iscomprised of a durable porous mesh with a plurality of holes that allowliquids to flow through while retaining the brew materials.Advantageously, the filter apparatus is reusable allowing for extensiveuse without replacing, thus eliminating buying large quantities ofsingle-use paper filters that must be thrown away or packed out of thebackcountry for later disposal. Therefore, the filter apparatusembodiment is both economical and environmentally friendly.

The present embodiment of the device is made of materials that areextremely durable and temperature tolerant that reduces wearing andpotential for replacement parts while providing ease of transport anduse in rugged environments. Additionally, the device eliminatesunnecessary components or fragile elements making the device practicalfor extensive outdoor and indoor use. Another beneficial aspect of thedevice's durability is that its components are all recessed and thusbetter protected from sheering or potentially breaking during use andtransport.

Advantageously, the present embodiment may also be used for making coldbrewed coffee by simply substituting cold water for hot water during thebrew cycle. Traditionally, coffee shops drip-brew their coffee hotbefore adding ice to create iced coffee. This technique extracts acidsfrom coffee beans creating a bitter tasting cup of cold coffee. Thecurrent embodiment's brewing method extracts less acid, thus creating asmoother and sweeter cold coffee. The portable brewing device also holdsthe cold brewed coffee in the interior reservoir at a colder temperaturethan the temperature outside the vessel. Additionally, users can add iceto the interior liner and keep any beverage iced for extended periods.Coffee shops can utilize the current embodiment's method for makingtasty cold brew coffee for multiple customers at once.

Another advantage is the multifunctional aspects of the device whereinthe device not only brews and insulates coffee and tea, but also servesan insulation vessel for other liquids like water, juices, and mixedbeverages. Thus, the device serves as an all in one portable beverageinsulator and brewing device. Another advantage of this embodiment isthe vessel can be used for dry-storage of brew mixtures, cups, or otherutensils while boating down the river, traveling by car, or othertransportation means.

In addition to the above mentioned, other embodiments, advantages,features, and details of this disclosure and the manner in attainingthem as well as the other embodiments will be more completelyappreciated by reference to the accompanying drawings, summarizedbriefly below, the following detailed description, and the appendedclaim. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the formulation forthe underlying device may be utilized for the designing of otherembodiments, methods, and functions for carrying out one or more of themultiple purposes of the present embodiment. Therefore, it is importantto regard the claims as including such equivalents to the extent theyencompass the spirit of the present embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the device.

FIG. 2 is a slight overhead perspective of one embodiment of the deviceillustrating various elements removed above the device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section perspective view of one embodimentillustrating the interior elements of the device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the underside of one embodiment of thelid.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filter apparatus seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular embodiments are shown by way of illustration and not aslimitations of the invention. The following description of the presentembodiment references the figures in which like reference numerals referto like parts throughout. FIG. 1 generally illustrates one embodiment ofan insulated multifunctional portable beverage brewing device and methodfor making the same.

Referring to FIG. 2, the presently contemplated embodiment of the device10 comprising of an exterior vessel 12 constructed of highly durable,heat tolerant, non-leaching BPA free materials. In accordance with otherembodiments, the exterior of the vessel 10 is composed of stainlesssteal, aluminum, titanium, or similar materials or a combinationthereof. In another embodiment, certain aspects of the device 10 aretranslucent to view the liquid levels within the vessel 12. FIGS. 1 and2 offers a general depiction of the overall shape of the currentembodiment. Other embodiments of the portable brewing device 10 can becubed shaped, square, rectangular, oval, rounded, or a combinationthereof. The exterior of the vessel 12 has two complimentary vesselhandles 22A and 22B that are flush with the exterior vessel 12 andhaving finger indentations for manipulating and transporting the device10. There is an opening between the vessel 12 and each vessel handle 22Aand 22B where a strap or other securing means can be passed through formounting or attaching for transport. In other embodiments, the vesselhandles 22A and 22B can be configured at different angles and locations,collapsible, or fold in to rest on the device 10 and fold out forhandling.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the device 10 has a detachable lid 14 withopposing hand slots 16A and 16B to assist with removing and handling thelid 14. There are a plurality of recessed latching devices 20A and 20Bthat can be mounted on multiple sides and at multiple angles of thevessel 12 that extend to the lid 14 recesses 18A and 18B for securingthe lid 14 tightly to the vessel 12. The underside side of the lid 14contains an undercut that accepts a tubular silicone gasket 34 thatprovides an airtight seal between the lid 14 and the vessel 12. The lid14 having a plurality of recessed spaces 18A and 18B wherein theplurality of latching devices 20A and 20B may attach. Referring to FIG.4, an underside angle of the lid 14 shows the general location for thegasket 34. FIG. 4 also providing a more comprehensive view of thevarious positions for the plurality of recessed spaces 18A and 18B aswell as 38A and 38B wherein the latching devices may attach. Referringagain to FIG. 2, the recessed aspects of 18A and 18B and 20A and 20Bhelp prevent the plurality of latching devices 20A and 20B from beingdamage. When the lid 14 is detached, the latching devices 20A and 20Bswing to a downward position and lay within the recessed aspects on theexterior of the vessel. In alternative embodiments, the detachable lid14 can attach to the vessel 12 with alternative latching systems,flexible rubber, clamps, screwing on with female and opposing malethreading, magnetism, or other like mechanisms or a combination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the filter apparatus 28 removedfrom inside the vessel 12. The filter apparatus 28 having a foldinghandle 32 (shown folded up in FIG. 1) and a filter seal 30. The lowerexterior vessel 12 has a controlled dispensing device 26 to dispenseliquids from the vessel 12 at a controlled rate. The controlleddispensing device attaches into the vessel 12 with a bulkhead fitting orsimilar fitting device that connects to the lower interior liner 50B(shown on FIG. 3) with a gasket and nut or similar device. Thecontrolled dispensing device 26 tolerates high temperatures and does notleach BPA's. A liquid viewing gage 24 connects from the interior liner50B (shown on FIG. 3) out to the lower exterior vessel 12 and above thecontrolled dispensing device 26 for displaying amounts of liquidcontained therein. The liquid viewing gage 24 can be constructed oftranslucent silicone tubing material that tolerates high temperaturesand is shatter resistant. The liquid viewing gage 24 attaches to abulkhead fitting or similar device that intersects the insulationchamber 52A and 52B (shown on FIG. 3) and fastens inside the interiorliner 50B (shown on FIG. 3) with a gasket and nut or like devices. Inother embodiments, the liquid viewing gage 24 can be embedded within thedevice 10 and still visible with a translucent design.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section perspective view inside the vessel 12, thelid 14, and the filter apparatus 28. The interior of the lid 14 containshigh-density foam for retaining heat and maintaining insulation at thetop of the device 10. Alternative materials are suited for insulatingother embodiments of the lid 14, such as vacuum insulation or similarinsulation means. The top of the lid 14 has equal slopes from its centerpoint in order to shed precipitation or other particles. A pressurerelease instrument 42 allows the device 10 to regulate its pressure. Thebottom of the vessel 12 having a plurality of non-slip feet 36 forstabilizes the device 10. For additional stability, the base of thevessel 12 measures slightly larger than the top thus creating a largerfootprint for stability.

FIG. 3 further shows one embodiment of the 12 vessel enclosing aninsulation chamber 52A and 52B holding high-density foam to ensurebeverage stay hot or cold for extended periods of time. In alternativeembodiments, the capacity of the insulation chamber 52A and 52B isminimized for using vacuum insulation or similar insulation therebyexpanding the capacity of the interior liner 50A and 50B to contain andinsulate greater quantities of cold or hot liquids. In yet anotheralternative embodiment, the device 10 is made for smaller groups byhaving a capacity to hold 1 gallon of liquid and a brewing capacity ofup to 64 ounces for serving up to 5 cups of coffee, tea, or otherbeverages. In the current embodiment, the insulation chamber surroundsthe interior liner 50A and 50B. For illustrative purposes, the interiorliner 50A and 50B can be more specifically described as the upperinterior liner 50A near the filter apparatus 28 and the lower interiorreservoir 50B where liquids from the filter apparatus 28 are held andinsulated by the insulation chamber 52A and 52B. The floor of the lowerinterior reservoir 50B retains a degreed slope to direct liquids towardsthe controlled dispensing device 26 (shown on FIG. 2) withoutmanipulating or tilting the device 10. Additionally, the interior liner50A and 50B has no corner angles making it easer to clean. A downwardangled ledge 54 runs 360 degrees around the sidewall of the upperinterior liner 50A. The downward angled ledge 54 provides the properresting location for the filter apparatus 28 within the upper interiorliner 50A. Additionally, the downward angle of the ledge 54 preventsparticles from stopping or catching between the bottom of the filterapparatus 28 and the ledge 54 and upper interior liner 50A. In otherembodiments, the interior liner 50A and 50B can also utilize a waterpurification system or similar filtration device for filtrating waterimpurities while out of doors.

FIG. 3 also illustrating a cross-section view of one embodiment of theremovable filter apparatus 28. In the presently contemplated embodiment,the filter apparatus 28 is elliptically shaped. Other configurations arealso suitable for alternative embodiments of the filter apparatus 28such as conical shaped, cylindrical, sieve, multi-angled, or acombination thereof. The contemplated embodiment's large diameter filterapparatus 28 has the capacity to hold a half-pound of coffee grounds orother suitable brew mixtures for brewing up to a gallon of brewedliquids depending the amount of servings desired. In other embodiments,the dimension of the filter apparatus 28 can be configuration to holdmore than a half-pound of coffee grounds or less than a half-pound ofcoffee grounds while maintaining the gravity fed pour over brewingmethod. The filter apparatus 28 is defined by a plurality of verticalframes 46 and a plurality of horizontal frames 44. The vertical filterframes 46 extend from the top rim of the filter apparatus 28 (below thefilter apparatus seal 30) to the horizontal filter frames 44 definingthe opposing bottom of the filter apparatus 28. The external side ofeach vertical frame 46 on the filter apparatus 28 features a verticallocating boss 48 for securing the filter 28 to the sidewalls of theupper interior liner 50A. The filter apparatus frames 44 and 46 employheat tolerant, non-leaching BPA free materials. Other suitable materialsare available for other embodiments of the filter apparatus frames 44and 46, such as stainless steel, metal, titanium, rubber or othersimilar materials or combination thereof. The vertical 46 and horizontal44 filter frames supports a porous mesh further defining the sidewallsand bottom of the filter apparatus 28 between each of the vertical 44and horizontal 46 frames. The filter apparatus 28 and frames 46 and 44of the presently contemplated embodiment, supports porous materialscomprised of braded, woven, or etched mesh, or similar materials. Inother embodiments, the filter 28 material is composed of nylon, goldplated mesh, food grade plastics, paper, perforated metal, or othersimilar material or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of thefilter apparatus 28 the vertical 46 and horizontal 44 filter frames arecompressed to support less filter material for holding smallerquantities of brew mixtures. In further embodiments, elongated filterframes 46 and 44 support greater lengths of filter materials for holdinglarger quantities of brew materials.

As illustrated on FIGS. 2 and 3, the filter apparatus 28 having a handle32 (FIG. 2) with a snap head boss 40A and 40B (FIG. 3) on either side ofthe filter handle 32 that plugs into a pass through hole in the filterapparatus 28 allowing the filter handle 32 to fold into a downwardposition to rest atop the filter apparatus 28 and to fold upward forhandling and removing from the vessel 12. In FIG. 2, the filterapparatus 28 also has a flexible filter seal 30 that attaches around thetop of rim of the filter apparatus 28. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, thefilter seal 30 having has a thin blade on the leading edge for sealingto the upper interior liner walls 50A and for shielding particles fromreleasing over the top of the filter apparatus 28 rim and into theinterior liner 50A and 50B. Other suitable alternatives are alsoavailable for sealing and securing the filter apparatus 28 within thedevice 10. Examples include rotating male and female threads,rotational-locking device, latches, clamps, magnetism, or other similarmechanism or combination thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates the underside side of the lid 14. The lid 14 is madeof highly durable, non-leaching BPA free materials. Other suitablematerials are also available for alternative embodiments of the lid,such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or similar materials or acombination thereof. The lid having opposing finger slots 16A and 16Bfor removal and handling, which are also shown on FIGS. 2 and 3. Thefinger slots 16A and 16B are also designed for securing the vessel withtie downs or rope like device to accommodate easy travel while on araft, canoe, kayak, horse, RV camper, or other modes of transport. Theunderside side of the lid 14 is concave 56 to allow brew materials likecoffee grounds to rise above the rim of the filter apparatus 28 (shownon FIG. 3) while not attaching to the underside 56 of the lid 14.

To brew coffee or tea in the device 10, remove the lid 14 from thevessel 14 and add brew mixtures into the filter apparatus 28. Pour aliquid, like hot water, over the brew mixtures in the filter apparatus28 resting within the upper interior liner 50A, and attach the lid 14 tothe vessel 12 with the latching devices 20A and 20B. After a sufficientimmersion, the brewed liquid will filter through the mesh of the filterapparatus 28 and drips down into the lower interior reservoir 50B. Aftera sufficient brew time, typically a few minutes, the brewed liquid isready for consumption. Place a drinking vessel below the controlleddispensing device 26 and engage the controlled dispensing device 26 todispense the desired amount of brewed beverage. The slope of the lowerinsulation chamber 50B will direct the brewed liquid towards theinterior connection of the controlled dispensing device 26. Theinsulation chamber 52A and 52B will keep the brewed liquid hot or coldfor extended periods for continued enjoyment. Once complete, remove thelid 14 from the latching devices 20A and 20B and vessel 14 to remove thefilter apparatus 28 and discard or compost the remaining brew mixture.For insulating cold beverages, the filter apparatus 28 can rest withinthe vessel 12 or be removed for more liquid capacity within the interiorliner 50A and 50B.

Although the present embodiments have been described with a degree ofparticularity, it is understood that changes in structure and detail maybe made without departing from the spirit of the present embodiment asdefined in the following claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An insulated multifunctional portable beveragebrewing device, comprising: a vessel having a chamber, an interior linerinside said chamber to retain liquid, and a lid, said vessel having anouter surface; at least one recess located in the outer surface of theouter vessel; at least one connector for removably connecting saidchamber and said lid, said at least one connector located in said atleast one recess whereby the at least one connector is recessed withrespect to the outer surface of the vessel; and a dispensing device atthe outer surface of said vessel and connected to said interior liner todispense liquid from inside said chamber.
 22. The device according toclaim 21, wherein said dispensing device is located in one of the atleast one recess whereby the dispensing device is recessed with respectto the outer surface of the vessel.
 23. The device according to claim21, further comprising a handle located in one of said at least onerecess whereby the handle is recessed with respect to the outer surfaceof the vessel.
 24. The device according to claim 21, said interior linerhaving a wall with an upper end, and further comprising a filter forholding brew mixtures located in said interior liner and having a toprim, and a filter seal attached between the top rim of said filter andthe upper end of said interior liner to prevent the brew mixture fromreleasing from said filter into said interior liner.
 25. The deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein the chamber comprises insulation forkeeping liquid in said interior liner hot or cold.
 26. The deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein the interior liner has a floor that isangled to direct liquid in said interior liner towards said dispensingdevice.
 27. The device according to claim 21, further comprising aliquid viewing gage located in one of said at least one recess wherebysaid gage is recessed with respect to the outer surface of the vessel,said liquid viewing gage displaying amounts of liquid contained therein.28. The device according to claim 21, wherein an underside of the lid isconcave shaped to prevent liquid in said interior liner from contactingthe underside of the lid.
 29. The device according to claim 21, furthercomprising a pressure relief instrument passing through a bottom of thelid to a top of the lid for pressure control.
 30. The device of claim21, further comprising a gasket positioned between said lid and saidinterior liner to provide a liquid tight seal between the lid and theinterior liner when the at least on connector is closed.
 31. The deviceof claim 21, wherein said at least one recess is located in the lid. 32.An insulated multifunctional portable beverage brewing device,comprising: a vessel having a chamber, an interior liner inside saidchamber to retain liquid, and a lid, said vessel having an outersurface; at least one recess located in the outer surface of the outervessel; a handle located in the at least one recess whereby the handleis recessed with respect to the outer surface of the vessel; and adispensing device at the outer surface of said vessel and connected tosaid interior liner to dispense liquid from inside said chamber.
 33. Thedevice according to claim 32, wherein said dispensing device is locatedin said at least one recess whereby the dispensing device is recessedwith respect to the outer surface of the vessel.
 34. The deviceaccording to claim 32, said interior liner having a wall with an upperend, and further comprising a filter for holding brew mixtures locatedin said interior liner and having a top rim, and a filter seal attachedbetween the top rim of said filter and the upper end of said interiorliner to prevent the brew mixture from releasing from said filter intosaid interior liner.
 35. The device according to claim 32, wherein thechamber comprises insulation for keeping liquid in said interior linerhot or cold.
 36. The device according to claim 32, wherein the interiorliner has a floor that is angled to direct liquid in said interior linertowards said dispensing device.
 37. The device according to claim 32,further comprising a liquid viewing gage located in the at least onerecess whereby said gage is recessed with respect to the outer surfaceof the vessel, said liquid viewing gage displaying amounts of liquidcontained therein.
 38. The device according to claim 32, wherein anunderside of the lid is concave shaped to prevent liquid in saidinterior liner from contacting the underside of the lid.
 39. The deviceaccording to claim 32, further comprising a pressure relief instrumentpassing through a bottom of the lid to a top of the lid for pressurecontrol.
 40. The device of claim 32, further comprising a connector forremovably connecting said chamber and said lid, and a gasket positionedbetween said lid and said interior liner to provide a liquid tight sealbetween the lid and the interior liner when the connector is closed.